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ZATOICHI (18)

From the archive, first published Friday 19th Mar 2004.

JAPANESE superstar Takeshi `Beat' Kitano directs and stars in this new martial arts adventure with a difference.

Set in 19th century Japan, the film centres on a blind man named Zatoichi (Kitano), who ekes out a meagre living as a masseur.

However, his lack of sight proves only a minor hindrance - he can still get on with his life and his sword-fighting skills are as precise as ever - he has the swiftest draw in the East and delivers strokes with breathtaking precision.

Zatoichi finds himself in a remote mountain village which is at the mercy of a Ginzo gang who have recruited a samurai swordsman to enforce their rule.

Here he and his trusty friend Shinkichi (Gadarukanaru Taka) meet two geishas whose parents were murdered.

Zatoichi agrees to help bring the killers to justice, propelling him into conflict with the powerful samurai and gangs of deadly assassins.

The film concludes with a barn-storming Riverdance-esque dance sequence involving the entire cast.

Described as making Kill Bill look like Watch With Mother, this film is sure to please. Classic Kitano!

In Japanese with English subtitles.

Until Thursday, 25 March, Harbour Lights, Southampton. Box office: 023 8033 5533.

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